Note 221 — The London Ladies Vindication of Top-Knots: With the many Reasons that She shows for the Continuation of the same: As also proving Men to be as Proud as themselves.

Know all men by these presents, that we, Sir Resolute Rednose, of the Town of Taplow, in the County of Cumberland, with our dear and trusty Cosins Sir Ferdinando Fiery Face, Lord Sigismund Ruby Nose, together with our associates and fellow Commissioners, Sir William Swill-boule, Sir Gregory Toss-pot, Sir Thomas Spend-all, Sir Alexander Dry lips, Sir Lewis Lick-Spiggot, Edward Barley, Thomas Maltster, Richard Brewer, and Geffery Tapster Esquires &c. By vertue of a Mandamus, or a fieri facias, issued unto us from the great Wine Cellar in Bacchus Prerogative Court, near to Stumbling Alley, from the Lord James Fill-Pot, and Signeur Jeronymo Tap-lash, do Enact, appoint, and ordaine, that any and every person, male or female, of what Countrey soever, being taken so drunk, that they are without wit, sence, or reason, shall forthwith pay to the under Officers herein named, viz, to John Bottle nose, William Suck-all, Gerard Turn-Tub, and Jenkin ap Morgan of Ale-ton, or to their Deputy, or Deputies, the full and just sum of 4d without any resistance or delay upon the next Morning; but in case of any of the Delinquents in the Premises, shall be so ingenuous as to confesse their fault without distraining, that then this Penalty shall not exceed above 2d. But in case the parties are resolved to ride the old ridden Jade called Cut, or a Dog of the same Haire221 next morning, without any remorse, and will presume to hunt the Fox againe, that then our said Bayliffs, and Deputies are forthwith either to joyne with them, or else to suspend the execution of this our said Warrant, till he or they may be sober, which is much feared will not quickly be effected; and therefore, for the better and surer progresse herein, that Justice may be the sooner executed, we enjoyn all Constables of Burroughs and Parishes as well high as Petty, to be assisting to this our merry Warrant, and do desire them if they or any of their substitute Officers can find leasure from sleep, or their nodding benches, to examine the Premises and Persons, to shew due respects unto them, considering well that the case and cause not only hath been their own, but suddenly and shortly will be again, as soon as they can either meet with merry Company or good moneys. Hereof they or any of them are not to faile at their utmost perils.